Domus Galilaeae

Domus Galilaeae

Domus Galilaeae is a center of formation, for studies and retreat, on a piece of land situated on the Mount of Beatitudes. This project began its journey in the 80’s when Pope Paul VI was to build in Israel a center where Seminarians could complete their formation before being ordained. It was with this frame of mind that the Vatican purchased Notre Dame, near the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem.
Pope Wojtyla, when he was first informed about the project “Domus Galilaeae” in 1994, showed his enthusiasm. He blessed it and supported it, seeing in it a service for all peoples and “for the whole Church”. In the following years all the permits were obtained for the construction which began in January 1999, with the laying of the first stone, which contained a fragment of the tomb of St. Peter, blessed by the Holy Father.
The result was an amazing structure by Kiko Argüello, a famous Spanish painter, together with Carmen Hernandez, initiators of the Neocatechumenal Way. Kiko, helped by a group of international architects (Mattia del Prete, Antonio Avalos, Alberto Durante and Guillermo Soler) designed a complex with very modern lines, which at the same time blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
The presence in Israel of many of the best scriptures scholars and prestigious biblical schools, allows "Domus Galilaeae" to be the ideal place to promote a recovery of scriptural studies as the witness of the living presence of God.
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In the Catholic tradition, the entire month of May is devoted to the Virgin Mary and the faithful congregate for daily prayers to her. The Visitation recalls the meeting of the two future Mothers: the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. The feast and the afternoon procession mark the end of this month of prayer.

Highlights of the feast
Jerusalem, Ein Kerem and the Old City - The Catholic Church of the Visitation is located in Ein Kerem, on a hill slope above the Ein Kerem spring. In the morning, a Mass is celebrated in the church of the Visitation. In the afternoon, a procession honoring the Virgin Mary marches through the Christian quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.

This day commemorates the finding of the True Cross in Jerusalem by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century CE.

Highlights of the feast

Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the Chapel of the Finding of the Cross:
On the eve of the feast (6.5) Vespers are sung. On the day of the feast (7.5), Mass is celebrated, followed by a solemn procession through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, led by the Custos holding a relic of the Holy Cross.

This day commemorates the finding of the True Cross in Jerusalem by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century CE.

Highlights of the feast

Jerusalem, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the Chapel of the Finding of the Cross:
On the eve of the feast (6.5) Vespers are sung. On the day of the feast (7.5), Mass is celebrated, followed by a solemn procession through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, led by the Custos holding a relic of the Holy Cross.